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Vitamix Versus Ninja Kitchen System – Which Is The Better Investment?

I frequently get asked by my personal training clients and readers of this blog, what is the best all around blender to have in the kitchen? Most often they want to know whether to buy the Vitamix or the Ninja blender.

In today’s post I’ll be reviewing the two blenders side by side and provide my assessment of which one would be the better investment. While there are other blenders we could compare, we’ll be focusing just on the Vitamix and the Ninja since these tend to be the most popular.

I’ve used both products so I’m quite familiar with each product and their differences. Ultimately this review will be an assessment based on personal experience and a recommendation from opinion only. Obviously you’d want to do your homework and compare reviews from trusted sources before making a purchase decision.

More after the jump…

While there are several different models of both Vitamix and Ninja blenders we’ll be comparing the following:

Vitamix versus Ninja Kitchen System

Here are the specific models in which the comparison will be made since these are the two I have personal experience with.

Ninja Kitchen System 1100 – Model BL700RC

Vitamix CIA Professional Series – Model 1363

Why go with a Vitamix or Ninja blender in the first place?

Neither one of these products would fall into the “typical” blender category. The main difference is the size of the motor, power output, and functionality. Anyone who has ever tried to use a standard household blender for heavy duty blending can attest to the fact they won’t work very well. I burned through enough motors to learn this the hard way.

If you just want a blender to make up a protein shake or smoothie, go with any cheap blender or pick up a Magic Bullet. However, if you want a versatile kitchen appliance that can perform a wide range of functions, you’ll want to spend the extra money for one of these units.

Don’t even attempt to make ice cream, nut butters, dough, pulverize grains and seeds, etc, with a cheaper blender. Trust me you’ll just end up frustrated. As always you’ve got to have the right tool for the job.

Ninja Kitchen System 1100 – Model BL700RC

This is the unit you see on TV all the time with the infomercials. Here are the product details and what’s included:

This is one area where the Vitamix is heads and tails above the Ninja Kitchen System. The Vitamix has a switch for two functions (high and variable speeds). Personally, I’ve rarely used the high speed function preferring to use the variable speed function. You’d be surprised just how much more functional the variable speed makes when blending different foods. The Ninja Kitchen system has three speeds: one for crushing ice, one for making dough, and one for blending.

Blades

The Vitamix uses a 4 prong blade while the Ninja uses a 6 prong blade on the main attachment. The upside with the Ninja system is the blade attachments are placed on a center post which can be removed easily for cleaning. The Vitamix blades are part of the container housing and you don’t remove. You’ve got to be careful cleaning the Vitamix container as the blades are very sharp, I recommend using a brush and not hand washing down around the blades.

On the plus side for the Vitamix is the fact that their four blade system handles everything with relative ease. I’ve found myself sometimes having to stop the Ninja to scrape the sides of the container before continuing to blend. Haven’t had to do this with the Vitamix yet.

The only other knock on the Ninja in this area is the fact that it doesn’t always seem to blend evenly throughout and sometimes there will be larger chunks of fruit left at the top when doing a large blend.

Housing

This is another area where the Vitamix has a leg up on the Ninja. The housing section where the pitcher blade assembly meets the motor or base is plastic on the Ninja, while it’s steel on the Vitamix. While I haven’t had the Ninja break yet, my money is on the Vitamix out-living the Ninja in the long run.

Versatility

The Vitamix blender is by far more versatile in terms of what it does well compared to the Ninja. While the Ninja does an acceptable job with food processing it doesn’t perform well in my opinion with making smoothies (leaves chunks). Don’t get me wrong it can blend and chop ice, but I don’t think it’s on the same level as the Vitamix at all.

The Vitamix can be used for making HOT soups, yes believe it or not it’s that powerful. You won’t be able to do that with the Ninja. The Vitamix will also pulverize flax seeds and other grains with ease.

Warranty

The Vitamix comes with a 7 year warranty, the Ninja has a 1 year limited warranty. Not much else to say here.

Made in the USA, Made in China

For some people this won’t be a major factor in the purchase, but it was for me. Vitamix is a family owned and operated company that has been making blenders in Cleveland, Ohio since 1921.

The Ninja is made somewhere in China.

Can you tell the difference in product quality, you betcha.

Cost

This is one area that understandably makes a lot of individuals consider the Ninja and other competitive blenders over the Vitamix. The Vitamix sells for around $450 while the Ninja will be approximately $150.

But once again cost is a relative factor depending on how much you plan on using the device, what you intend to do with it, and how long you expect to use it before it dies.

While the Ninja and other blenders may be cheaper, you get what you pay for. When you look at it from a long-term investment standpoint, the Vitamix is a much better investment.

Still I understand that $450 is a big investment. Believe me I thought long and hard about it before buying mine. But once I got it home and started using it, there’s never been a moment of buyer’s remorse.

I use my Vitamix EVERY DAY and it’s the center focus of my kitchen counter. When you really start evaluating a purchase I think you have to look at it in terms of an investment in health for you and your family. Compare the investment against the cost of processed foods, take-out, and other fast-food that you know deep down in your heart isn’t healthy.

Trust me in the long run it’ll pay for itself in many ways several times over.

And the winner is….

Obviously if you’ve read this far you know my recommendation is for the Vitamix CIA Professional Series blender. I really can’t say enough good things about it, and while it does require a larger investment, I think you’ll be glad you spent the extra money.

Save up for and get the best blender money can buy in my opinion. It’s a super powerful, reliable, well built, made in America product that’s worth every penny.

Shane Doll is a certified Charleston personal trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, and founder of Shaping Concepts. With a staff of over 10 certified fitness professionals, Shaping Concepts provides personal fitness training in Charleston with a specialty on weight loss and body transformation. Sign up today for a no obligations consultation.

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